Dr. Ronald Schouten and James Silver are the authors of Almost A Psychopath.

Dr. Ronald Schouten and James Silver are the authors of Almost A Psychopath.

Photo: Courtesy Photos

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Dr. Ronald Schouten and James Silver are the authors of Almost A Psychopath.

Dr. Ronald Schouten and James Silver are the authors of Almost A Psychopath.

Photo: Courtesy Photos

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Dr. Ronald Schouten and James Silver are the authors of "Almost A Psychopath."

Dr. Ronald Schouten and James Silver are the authors of "Almost A Psychopath."

Photo: Book Cover

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On the lookout for the 'almost psychopath'

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When you first hear the latest title to come out of Hazelden and Harvard Health Publications - "Almost a Psychopath" - you might want to laugh. But even the quickest look at the book will have you thinking: "So that's what you call those people."

The "almost psychopaths" described in the book by Dr. Ronald Schouten and James Silver are all around you: at work, at home, at church, even at your doctor's office. In fact, while only one in 100 people are true psychopaths, as many as one in seven people can fit the "almost psychopath" description.

The authors define this subclinical group of the mental health diagnosis as cunning and charming predators who have a profound lack of empathy and a propensity toward immoral and antisocial behavior. They are often intelligent, but unreliable and prone to lying, without a sense of remorse or shame.

Schouten recently took time to talk about the book, how to spot an "almost psychopath" and what to do about them.

Q: When I first heard about this book, the "almost" concept sounded so odd. But people can start connecting the dots in their lives, thinking about strange relationships they've had, right?

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A: This book has ruined many a Thanksgiving Day dinner. We urge caution because people will read it and say, 'Hey, that's Uncle Bill.' When the behavior of someone you know is a little bit off or a friend is constantly asking for favors and never returning them or leave you in a tough spot, always leaving you with the bill, pay attention to that. It's the behavior that's critical, not a diagnostic label.

Q: Are "almost psychopaths" inherently that way?

A: It seems to be the case that some people, by virtue of their genetic makeup and brain physiology, are lacking in empathy or lacking in remorse. You know that question you hear in court - 'Does the defendant show remorse?' - they have no idea what you are talking about. They're missing that chip, not just because they didn't learn empathy environmentally; their neural structure doesn't allow for it.

Q: You say that psychiatrists don't diagnose psychopathy in children because their brains are still developing. Watch a playground full of kids and you'll see some pretty well-formed personalities. Can you at least see red flags in kids?

A: We look for callous and unemotional traits. These are the kids ... who torture animals or shoot at squirrels with BB guns or pull wings off of flies, are mean to pets and are indifferent about it. Those kids you want to target with some sort of intervention and teach empathy skills.

Q: People who fit the "almost psychopath" description might be the last to acknowledge that their behavior warrants correction. What advice do you give to those coping with the "almost psychopaths" in their lives?

A: Pay attention to what's going on, document it, keep your own notes, that whole gas-lighting phenomenon is quite real. They will lie to your face. They will tell you it's raining when the sun is out and make you look out the window to prove it. They will do it until they are backed into a corner and can't escape.

In the setting of a relationship, be on the lookout for lying. Depending on the response you get, you'll have a sense of whether it's workable or not.

In the workplace, you stay as long as you need to and watch your back. In many cases you need to get out while the getting's good.

Q: What would you like readers to take away from the book?

A: That there is hope and you can protect yourselves and your children. Pay attention to what's going on around you. You can muster up the willpower and support from others to take steps to do something.